Kukla's Korner Hockey

Discussing his new job in depth for the first time, Joe Sakic today said he is excited about becoming executive adviser and alternate governor of the Avalanche. Part of his vision for the franchise centers around the rafters of the Pepsi Center.

“We want to see more banners raised,” Sakic said at a new conference this afternoon.

One of Sakic’s first pieces of wisdom he plans to pass along to Avalanche players, who finished next-to-last in the NHL this season: He’s been there.

“I was there when the Quebec Nordiques decided to go in the direction of rebuilding. I know exactly what they’re going to expect. I know as a player when you go through those things it’s tough to get out of it. But I’m very excited to be part of this going forward. We finished 29th, so there’s holes. As a group, starting tomorrow, we’re going to get together with everybody, the whole hockey organization, and we need to figure out where we need to go.”